Barbara Postlewait

Barbara Shirley Postlewait passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the age of 89 in Bozeman, Montana, after a 5+ year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Shirley was born in Great Falls, Montana, the daughter of John Roberts and Margery (Hough) Engelking of Kevin, Montana, and younger sister of Joan.

After graduating from Oilmont High School, Shirley attended the University of Montana and often referred to her university days as some of the best days of her life. After graduating from UM with her Bachelor of Science degree, she continued her education at Cook County Hospital in Chicago graduating as a registered dietician and turning her considerable talents in the kitchen into a lifelong commitment to nutrition. While in Chicago she frequently attended Cubs games and became a lifelong Cubbie fan.

In March 1953, she married Gordon Leon Postlewait, also of Kevin, Montana. The first of many moves was to Denver, Colorado, so Gordon could complete his education at the Colorado School of Mines. Here their daughters, Diane and Karen, were born. Several moves later found them in Calgary, Alberta, where their son, John, was born.

Having chosen to be a stay-at-home mom, Shirley volunteered extensively with her church, her children’s schools, Meals on Wheels, and many other organizations. Shirley loved to play bridge, golf and traveled extensively with her sister, Joan.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, John Robert and Margery; her sister, Joan; her nephew, Keith; and her husband, Gordon.

Surviving her are her sister-in-law, Doris Shennum of Kalispell, MT; cousin-in-law, Jerry Agen of Woods Bay, MT; her children, daughters, Diane of Belgrade, MT and Karen of Calgary, Alberta; and son, John of Bigfork, MT. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Jennifer (Adam), Michael, Jordan, Grayson, and Fletcher, and two great-granddaughters, Avery and Madeline. Nieces, Margie, Sharon, and Marsha and nephew, Dana and their families also survive her.

A memorial service will be held at the Community United Methodist Church of Bigfork, MT, on Wednesday, July 12th at 2 pm. Interment will be the next day in Shelby, Montana.

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